The Ass and the Horse
Story Summary
In the engaging moral tale "The Ass and the Horse," an Ass requests a small portion of feed from a Horse, who promises to provide more later. However, the Ass doubts the sincerity of the Horse's promise, suggesting that those who refuse to help with simple requests are unlikely to offer greater favors in the future. This short moral story illustrates the simple lesson that true generosity is shown through immediate acts of kindness, not empty promises.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should be cautious of those who refuse to help in small matters, as they are unlikely to offer greater assistance later.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, illustrates themes of inequality and cynicism regarding the promises of those in power. Originating in ancient Greece, Aesop's fables often feature anthropomorphized animals and convey moral lessons, with this particular story highlighting the skepticism towards the altruism of the more privileged, a sentiment that resonates across various cultures and retellings throughout history. The narrative underscores the idea that one should not expect generosity from those who are unwilling to share even a small kindness.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of trust and the reliability of promises in relationships. In modern life, we often encounter situations where someone in a position of power may offer future benefits while withholding immediate help, prompting skepticism about their true intentions. For instance, in a workplace scenario, an employee may be promised support or recognition by a manager who is currently unwilling to assist them with a pressing issue, leading the employee to doubt the sincerity of the manager's future commitments.
You May Also Like
The Ass and His Shadow
In the simple short story "The Ass and His Shadow," a traveler hires an ass for transportation and seeks refuge from the intense heat under its shadow. A dispute ensues between the traveler and the ass's owner over who has the right to the shadow, escalating to a physical fight, during which the ass gallops away. This famous fable with moral illustrates that in quarreling over trivial matters, we often lose what is truly important, making it one of the best moral stories suitable for short bedtime stories with moral lessons.
The Ass and the Wolf
In "The Ass and the Wolf," a classic fable from the realm of moral stories written for both entertainment and instruction, an Ass feigns lameness to deceive a predatory Wolf. When the Wolf offers to help by removing a thorn, the Ass kicks him and escapes, prompting the Wolf to reflect on the folly of trying to heal instead of embracing his nature as a predator. This long story with moral highlights the importance of understanding one’s true role in life, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
The Horse and the Ass
In the humorous story "The Horse and the Ass," a rude horse ignores his overloaded companion's pleas for help, only to find himself burdened with the entire load when the ass collapses. This motivational tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral, highlighting the importance of sharing each other's struggles, lest we face the consequences alone. Ultimately, it reminds us that in the top 10 moral stories, the lesson is clear: neglecting the troubles of others can lead to our own downfall.
Other names for this story
"Greedy Horse, Wise Ass", "Lessons in Generosity", "The Ass's Dilemma", "Horses and Hopes", "Dignity vs. Kindness", "Promises of Plenty", "Feeding Friendships", "The Tale of Two Beasts"
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of skepticism towards false promises and the importance of trust in relationships, illustrating how those in power may exploit their position rather than genuinely help those in need. The Ass's wariness reflects a broader lesson about the reliability of those who prioritize their own dignity over compassion.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.